I can relate. I've been taking lessons for a couple of months now and it does help but I wasn't really learning everything the way I wanted either. So what I do is combine the two. I use the books a lot during the week and then when I go into the lesson, I do what he suggests. Towards the end of the lesson, I'll show him what I've been learning on my own and ask him to clarify whatever it is that I have questions on and he'll help me with that too.

It's helped justify paying for lessons; I learn what he wants to teach me PLUS I am learning the things that I want as well. In my mind, there's something invaluable to having someone to sit down with who can show you what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. But it's frustrating to think you're not learning what you want.

But in the end, if you're not satisified with the way things are going, find a new teacher. There are plenty out there. You can find one that will teach the way you want to learn. Good luck.